2 Corinthians 4:7 “But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.” (NLT)

“The best part of you is who you are inside!”

This was the saying on my childhood bedroom wall poster featuring a hen talking to a hatching chick. The words were a comforting reminder to a gangly teenager suffering the physical effects of changing from a child into an adult – my inner beauty was most important.

The poster was talking about the essence of who a person is – his or her personality, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. These are the qualities that define a person’s life, not the outward flaws that many teenagers experience. But for a Christian there is an even greater meaning to these words.

Contained within our physical frame is a great treasure worth more than all the riches the world has to offer. For those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior, the light and power of His presence shine within us. God’s very own Spirit reflects the glory of God in and through us. He works in us, making us more and more like Him. As we grow spiritually we reflect His presence more every day.

Not only do we have God’s power available to free us from our sinful lifestyles, but we also have His power to convince others that the message of God’s salvation is available for them, too. God takes our imperfect efforts to reach others and powerfully uses them to make a difference to those around us. We do not rely on our own abilities. We are not the Creator of the light, but only carriers of it.

God put these precious treasures inside our weak bodies so that everyone can see that what we possess is not from us but from God. When we persevere through troubles and our human frailties are put to the test, we can still be victorious because of God’s strength within us. His power to prevail is like a bright light shining from the inside of a fragile jar. The jar isn’t what is important; the important part is what it contains. Those around us will wonder how we can survive the trials of life and we can give God the glory for our success.

Even in the face of death we will still win. Our momentary trials will only last for a short time, but our eternal destiny in heaven with Christ is secure because of His life that lives within us.

The teenage years fly by and the raging hormones that wreak havoc on the physical body settle down. But as time passes, age causes other ailments that affect the human shell we all live in. It could be discouraging but doesn’t need to be. God’s truth can fill us with hope and comfort as we are reminded that the trials will soon pass, but the joy they produce will last forever.

I think if I were to hang that poster on my wall today, I would want it to say,

2 Timothy 3:5 “. . . holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these.”

How would you rate your relationship with God? In our house we have a saying. Whenever we see someone doing something that looks outwardly religious, we say they are so “spiritual.” But the roll of the eyes and the tone of voice conveys the opposite. Though it has turned into a joke for us, it really is nothing to laugh about.

There are many today who think that certain actions or words illustrate their virtue or closeness with God. Unfortunately, if one is relying on only these outward things, they are deceiving themselves. 2 Timothy 3:5 tells us that in the last days there will be many who hold to a form of godliness that is false. Their actions and “spiritual” sounding words will mean nothing if they have denied the power that God gives to those who truly belong to Him.

True godliness will always result in attitudes and actions that emulate God Himself. It is a deep inner change that results in pure outward actions. Just because someone goes to church every week, carries the largest Bible available, and can speak with flowery religious words does not mean that her life belongs to God. If their belief is real, it will produce the kind of devotion towards God that expresses itself in loving others just as Christ does. It will not be a forced way of life, but will happen naturally as the Holy Spirit works in and through them.

The Bible makes it clear that the natural inclination of man is to be “lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, loves of pleasure rather than lovers of God (AND) holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.”

On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit will mark those who are truly godly. When an individual comes to God humbly and confesses his sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse from all unrighteousness. He fills this believer with His Holy Spirit Whose power will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The old nature is gone and the new has come. These inner signs are the real test for genuine God-given “spirituality.”

So take a deep look into your own life. Are you trying to carry off a “spiritual” façade by holding to a form of godliness that denies God’s power? Is your inner life defined by the natural inclinations of the sinful human man? Are your right actions and words coming from a sense of duty only?

It is no laughing matter. Though some may be deceived by this false form of godliness, God will not be. Turn to God today with a heart of repentance and He will fill you with the truth of the true Spirit.

Love,

Mama

Welcome to Verses From Mama. Open these letters and receive words of truth, healing and hope written to all who long for a mama’s touch. ~Sandy